The Embassy of the United States of America today launched a series of workshops on combatting air pollution in North India. Health Minister of Delhi, Mr. Satyender Jain, inaugurated the workshops which will be held in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jaipur, and Lucknow from May 17-26. The workshops are organized by the Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Delhi, and support President Obama and Prime Minister Modi’s commitment to develop cooperative efforts to study the effects of air pollution on human health and well-being.
The objective of these workshops is to provide a forum to initiate and strengthen collaboration between U.S. and Indian air quality experts, consider best practices to combat air pollution in North India, and build consensus and strategy for follow-on action. About a dozen U.S. policy-makers, world-renowned scientists, and industry-sector experts are participating. The workshops will include presentations on the health effects of air pollution, impact on industry and their mitigation efforts, and air quality management and policy. The second day will be focused mostly on group discussions and break-out sessions, ending with a panel discussion aimed at developing a workable strategy for tackling air pollution in North India.
The U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Michael P. Pelletier, opened the proceedings in New Delhi today. He said, “I am honored to inaugurate the workshops in northern India. This is a wonderful opportunity to discuss challenges, propose solutions, and build a network for future engagement. I am proud that we are taking action today and I look forward to seeing these workshops unfold over the upcoming days.” The workshop series ends with a special closing ceremony in Lucknow on May 26.
| City | Dates | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi |
May 17-18 (2 full days) Opening ceremony: 9:00-10:15 a.m. Closing Panel Session: 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. |
The Taj Mahal Hotel |
| Chandigarh |
May 20-21 (1.5 days) Opening ceremony: 9:00-10:10 a.m. Closing Panel Session: 12:20-1:30 p.m. |
Taj Chandigarh |
| Jaipur |
May 23-24 (1.5 days) Opening ceremony: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Closing Panel Session: 11:40-12:40 p.m. |
Jai Mahal Palace |
| Lucknow |
May 25-26 (2 full days) Opening ceremony: 9:00-10:00 a.m. Closing Panel Session: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m. Closing ceremony: 4:45-6:00 p.m. |
Vivanta-Taj |
